PA Hazards-Nutri 2.0

This policy brief “Developing and Managing Innovation Ecosystems in the Circular Economy” outlines the main aims and features of a digital monitoring tool and makes recommendations for how to support the development and management of effective innovation ecosystems. For example, it highlights the importance of fostering a culture of open data sharing amongst key regional innovation actors.

The “Visualisation tool for a circular economy innovation ecosystem” is an online software that compiles data about a circular economy ecosystem. It converts the data into a user-friendly form which shows key actors within the ecosystem and how they interlink. The software uses open data but can also process data from other information sources and is constantly updated with real-time data. The prototype visualizes the circular economy innovation ecosystem of Tampere Region in Finland. The tool is currently password protected and people interested can obtain access upon request. The tool creates the basic information needed to build up an overview of the local circular economy. For instance, it will be possible to monitor different circular economy sub-ecosystems, such as those that focus on e.g. textile circulation or fertilizers.

This policy brief “Inclusive Digitalization in the Baltic Sea Region” examines whether inclusive digitalization is an important instrument for promoting regional growth and development in struggling rural areas in the Baltic Sea region. The brief highlights the potential benefits that digitalization can bring and the challenges faced in implementing an effective digital agenda in rural areas. The brief also provides key recommendations identifying possible initiatives and policies that may help local businesses achieve successful digital transformation. These recommendations are based on learnings and best practices from digitalization initiatives conducted in rural areas around the Baltic Sea region.